Bmw e30 316 coilovers

Sat Dec 21, 2013 9:22 pm

Hello there I'm new to the bmw scene but I have just bought a bmw e30 316 and as you all know there are 45mm shaft and a 51mm shaft what size is my 316 e30 shaft??

Also what's best way to get camber on the front and rear?

Thanks

Sat Dec 21, 2013 10:09 pm

You have the puny 45mm struts.

To make any changes to the rear suspension geometry you will need to remove the rear beam in order to drill and weld camber/toe tabs on. Contact DanThe on here for details.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 10:16 pm

Grrrmachine wrote:You have the puny 45mm struts.

You're probably right, but it does depend on what model 316i. Only the saloon has the little struts.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 10:28 pm

Yeah mine is the saloon 316i on f reg, is it defiantly 45mm if so I will order them now

Sat Dec 21, 2013 10:32 pm

Sounds like another going for the 'stanced' look.... Just a word of warning you will get slated on here if I'm correct....

Sat Dec 21, 2013 10:35 pm

I'm not going for stance I have a 318is engine that will be going in next year I think ;) this my first rear wheel drive and I'm gonna start getting into drifting side of things

But tbh stanced e30s do look good but I am gonna compromise

Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:22 pm

Upgrade them to 51mm struts

I did the same to mine, it started life as a 1.6

Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:25 pm

I. Just liked your Facebook page btw

and yeah I gonna do engine next year and I just want a nice bit of stance ;) how hard to convert to 51mm change front hubs etc?

Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:31 pm

Struts are a straight swap, and are complete with hubs. It would be a good idea to get them with vented discs and matching calipers as well.
TBH, a 316, 318 or 320 saloon isn't a good starting point for any conversion apart from the bodyshell.
Tourings, cabs, 318iS and 325i saloons all have better brakes and suspension.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:36 pm

Okay mate we'll it's gonna be a good orient for me and I love the saloons think there awesome ;)

I'll have it for a little while so will have time to get it all running sweet and all upgraded thanks for help guys

Sun Dec 22, 2013 8:06 am

If you're going to make all those changes then really, save your pennies for other things than coilovers. The E30 already has a spring/shock setup so swapping to coilovers is only really useful if you need to individually balance each corner for the track. For proper suspension you can get much better bilstein shocks and eibach springs for less than the equivalent in coilovers.

As Brian says, if you're going to 16V, make sure you do the brakes and struts, and get all the rubber bushes replaced as a matter of course before you go for "upgrades".

All the info you need, including the engine swap guide, is in the Wiki.